From the turkey to the buttered rolls to the creamy, cheesy sides, few holidays are as food-focused as Thanksgiving. So your usual event-prep tactics—like having a nutritious and energizing breakfast or chewing gum while cooking—might need a few reinforcements. A little advance planning (call it a "plate rehearsal"), a few Points calculations, and shifting your mindset can be just what you need to feel more relaxed, in control and ready to enjoy all the day has to offer.
The holiday eating game plan
Setting a strategy for Thanksgiving is about more than listing the foods you plan to eat. Add a few of these simple maneuvers to your playbook to stay ready for whatever pops up:
1. Build a Budget
Consider your Weekly Points and decide how you want to factor it into your Turkey Day Budget. Don't forget to leave some flexibility for holiday favorites, like a piece of pumpkin pie.
2. Choose wisely
Serve yourself veggies first (ones you like, of course!). Decide if you really want that sweet potato casserole (or whether you’re just scooping up a serving out of habit). Or whether you'll have a serving of stuffing or mashed potatoes. (Or perhaps a half-serving of both?) If you're not hosting the meal, call whoever is to get a sneak peek at the menu. Volunteer to prep a plan-friendly dish; get plenty of ideas from our Thanksgiving recipe roundup.
3. Don't eat what you don’t like
Usually, we get pushed into trying aunt Grace's cheese straws, when cheese isn't even our thing. Enough of that. Stick to the holiday meals you actually do want to enjoy—they're likely already on your pre-planned plate, and confidently say "no thanks" to anything you’re not excited about.
4. Take a post-turkey walk
As soon as you're finished eating, excuse yourself from the table. The longer you linger, the more you might pick around half-empty platters and bowls. Invite guests for a stroll around the neighborhood. It’ll keep the convo going—and help you digest your meal.
5. Track, track, track
Pre-tracking is one of the best strategies to help you stay on course because it's easier to make healthy decisions when you're not staring right at the food. If you can, pre-track all your meals for the day. Even if you end up eating more than you planned—track it! Accountability (not perfection) is key.
6. Liberate leftovers
If you're the host, you'll probably have leftovers. So, if you won't be able to sleep knowing that there's half a pie in the kitchen, freeze leftovers immediately or give your guests doggie bags to take home.
However you choose to tackle Turkey Day, keep in mind that it's just one day. Savor the moments with your friends and family. Take time to reflect on the things that really matter. And remember that tomorrow you'll wake up with a clean slate.